
Sunday, November 02, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
1-A. Smart Living Showcase: Bringing Technology to Senior Living
Imagine owning a television that uses artificial intelligence to provide social connection. You might want eyeglasses that provide real-time captions of your conversations, or a scale that assesses your risk of falling. These and other technology solutions are displayed in a Smart Living Showcase, developed by Asbury Communities in collaboration with the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP. Attend this session for an eye-opening overview of how the showcase is helping Asbury investigate emerging technologies and understand older adults’ preferences and readiness to embrace technology. Presenters will guide you through the showcase’s collection, offer tips for implementing technology solutions in senior living, and discuss the impact of technology innovation on market perception and sales.
- ● Doug Leidig President & CEO, Asbury Communities, Inc.
- ● Nick Patel President, ThriveWell Tech
- ● Michelle Curnow Senior Vice President of Sales & Brand, Asbury Communities, Inc.
- ● Andy Miller Senior Vice President, AARP Innovation Labs, AARP
Sunday, November 02, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
16-A. We Can Do Better: Creating Inclusive Leadership in Senior Living
Creating an inclusive board and leadership team is a requirement for any organization striving to foster innovation, adaptability, and alignment with diverse communities. This session will help you create leadership structures that reflect your commitment to inclusivity. Presenters will outline the five-year process that helped Episcopal Retirement Services in Cincinnati, OH, cultivate a “We Can Do Better” culture while striving to become more representative at all levels of the organization. You’ll leave this session equipped with the tools, ideas, and confidence to spearhead inclusivity efforts that foster listening, learning, and growth among all leaders within your organization.
- ● Laura Lamb President & CEO, Episcopal Retirement Services
- ● Gerron McKnight Board Member
Sunday, November 02, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
27-A. Leading in a Crisis: Lessons from Hurricane Helene
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented challenges to western North Carolina as it destroyed homes, caused severe flooding, and left thousands without electricity, cell service, or water. During this session, a panel of CEOs from three senior living organizations in the storm’s path will reflect on their experiences during and after the storm and share the essential leadership lessons they learned. Listen as they recount how they supported one another, how they adapted or rewrote their emergency plans in real-time to address the storm’s catastrophic impacts, and how assistance from other LeadingAge members helped them navigate the crisis. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the critical role leaders play in guiding their organizations through natural disasters.
- ● Kevin Schwab Chief Executive Officer, Givens Communities
- ● Kevin Parries Executive Director, Carolina Village
- ● Libby Bush President and CEO, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community Inc
- ● Tom Akins President & CEO, LeadingAge North Carolina
Sunday, November 02, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
41-A. The ABCs of Credit Ratings: A Guide for Life Plan Communities
Life plan community leaders, financial officers, and strategic planners must have a solid understanding of credit ratings before they can help their organizations secure financing on favorable terms. During this session, Fitch Ratings, along with a diverse panel of providers from multi-site and single-site communities will present an overview of credit ratings, explain how to obtain one, and offer guidance on incorporating credit rating considerations into your strategic planning. You’ll receive tips for aligning capital projects and funding needs with your community’s credit profile, identifying and mitigating risks that could negatively impact your rating, and implementing practices that enhance credit strength. Prepare to improve your community’s credit profile and secure the resources necessary for growth and sustainability.
- ● Margaret Johnson Senior Lead Senior Living, Fitch Ratings
- ● Jonathan Cook President/CEO, LifeSpire of Virginia
- ● Dyan McAlister Chief Financial and Strategy Officer, Presbyterian Senior Living
- ● Ben Unkle President & CEO, Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay
Sunday, November 02, 2025, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
42-A. Meet Future Market Demand with a Satellite Community
A life plan community seeking to meet the growing demand for new housing options often encounters a frustrating roadblock: a lack of available space for expansion on campus. Some organizations address this challenge by developing satellite communities to reach untapped or underserved markets. This session will showcase a variety of satellite communities, including those located in walkable neighborhoods and on college campuses, and those catering to residents with specific income levels, cultures, and special interests. Discover how satellite campus planning can help you meet current and future growth demands, capitalize on partnership opportunities, and explore new markets. You’ll learn how to leverage the resources of your main campus to support satellite campus development.
- ● Mark Beggs President & CEO, Edenwald
- ● Bruce Jones Chief Executive Officer, Vicar's Landing
- ● Daniel Godfrey Senior Project Manager, RLPS Architects
- ● Andrea Killiard Marketing & Life Enrichment Director, Piper Shores